Electronic faucet with spatial orientation control system

ABSTRACT

A faucet is provided that electronically controls the flow volume and temperature of water being dispensed. The faucet illustratively includes a faucet body and a faucet handle. The faucet illustratively includes an inertial motion unit sensor mounted in the faucet handle to sense spatial orientation of the faucet handle. The faucet illustratively includes an electronic flow control system to adjust flow volume and temperature of water being dispensed. The faucet illustratively includes a controller configured to receive signals from the inertial motion unit sensor and control the electronic flow control system to adjust flow volume and temperature of water being dispensed based upon the position of the faucet handle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/313,385 filed Mar. 25, 2016, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to faucets. In particular, thepresent disclosure relates to a faucet that is electronically controlledbased on the spatial orientation of an input device.

BACKGROUND

Faucets typically comprise mechanical parts to control the temperatureand flow of water. In many situations, a mechanical valve controls thehot and cold water inlets through one or more faucet handles. Typically,a user manipulates the mechanical valve to adjust hot/cold mix and waterflow by maneuvering faucet handle(s). Due to the mechanical connectionbetween the handle and valve, the faucet body typically must be sized toaccommodate these mechanical components. The bulk of these componentspresents challenges in faucet designs.

With kitchen faucets, for example, attempts have been made to slim downthe faucet body to create a more aesthetically pleasing design, but eventhese slim designs are dictated to a great extent by the need to includethe mechanical valve in the faucet body, which is necessary tomanipulate the temperature and flow of water. As a result, manycomponents of kitchen faucets, such as the mechanical valve, are locatedabove the kitchen countertop. This can make kitchen faucets bulky tosome extent to allow room for the mechanical components.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a faucet thatelectrically controls the temperature and flow of water dispensed. Thefaucet illustratively includes a faucet body and a faucet handle. Inillustrative embodiments, the faucet includes an inertial motion unitsensor that is mounted in the faucet handle to sense spatial orientationof the faucet handle. For example, in some embodiments, the faucethandle may include a sensor that detects where the faucet handle islocated in relation to an initial position. This allows the faucet todetect the position of the faucet handle after maneuvering the faucethandle similar to how a user would maneuver a mechanical faucet handle.

In illustrative embodiments, the faucet includes an electronic flowcontrol system that adjusts flow volume and temperature of water beingdispensed. In an illustrative embodiment, the faucet includes acontroller configured to receive the signals from the inertial motionunit sensor and control the electronic flow control system to adjustflow volume and temperature of water being dispensed based upon theposition of the faucet handle.

Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodimentsincluding the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presentlyperceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description makes reference to the accompanying figures inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example kitchen faucet according toan embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the example kitchen faucetshown in FIG. 1 below a countertop;

FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of a faucet handle of the examplekitchen faucet of FIG. 1 with a breakaway to reveal the internal of thefaucet handle according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of an example control system forcontrolling dispensing of water from a kitchen faucet according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the faucet handle showing the degrees ofrotation that the faucet handle can travel along one axis of the faucethandle according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the faucet handle showing the degrees ofrotation that the faucet handle can travel along another axis of thefaucet handle according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of water values released from two watersupply inlet hoses given a position of the faucet handle according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a simplified flowchart showing an example operation of thefaucet according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a simplified flowchart showing another example operation ofthe faucet according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures and descriptions provided herein may have been simplified toillustrate aspects that are relevant for a clear understanding of theherein described devices, systems, and methods, while eliminating, forthe purpose of clarity, other aspects that may be found in typicaldevices, systems, and methods. Those of ordinary skill may recognizethat other elements and/or operations may be desirable and/or necessaryto implement the devices, systems, and methods described herein. Becausesuch elements and operations are well known in the art, and because theydo not facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, adiscussion of such elements and operations may not be provided herein.However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all suchelements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects thatwould be known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,”“an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodimentdescribed may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily includethat particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, suchphrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further,when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within theknowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure,or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or notexplicitly described. Additionally, it should be appreciated that itemsincluded in a list in the form of “at least one A, B, and C” can mean(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” canmean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown inspecific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should beappreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not berequired. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged ina different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures.Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in aparticular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required inall embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may becombined with other features.

FIG. 1 shows an example faucet 10 according to an embodiment of thisdisclosure. Although this disclosure will be discussed with regard to akitchen faucet for purposes of example, the control system describedherein could be implemented in any type of faucet, including bathroomfaucets, whether the faucet has a single handle or two handles, bath tubspout controls, shower head controls, and any water delivery valves. Inthis regard, the term “faucet” is broadly intended to mean any of thesewater delivery devices. Although the faucet 10 is shown as a pull-downkitchen faucet for purposes of example, this disclosure encompassesother types of faucets, including but not limited to pull-out faucets.In the example shown, the faucet 10 includes a faucet body 12, a faucethandle 14, and a spray head 16 that can be detached or undocked from thefaucet body 12. The faucet body 12 can be shaped differently to providea different connection with the faucet handle 14 or spray head 16. Forexample, in another embodiment the faucet body 12 could be flush withthe faucet handle 14 to provide a more streamlined appearance thatreduces the space required by the faucet 10. In another embodiment, thefaucet handle 14 does not need to be connected to directly to the faucetbody 12, but could be remote from the faucet body 12.

As shown, the faucet 10 can be manually controlled (e.g., thetemperature, water flow, and on/off) using the handle 14. In some cases,the faucet 10 could be manually adjusted electronically, such as using ahands-free sensor, touch activation, buttons or other interface. Asdiscussed more below, the handle 14 can detect its spatial orientationand send signals to a controller 18 to control water flow using a flowcontrol box 20 through signal wires 22.

In the embodiment shown, the flow control box 20 is connected to a pulldown hose 24 to provide fluid communication from water supply inlethoses 26 to spray head 16. As is typical, the water supply inlet hoses26 can supply cold and hot water to be released from the spray head 16.

Referring to FIG. 2, a closer look to the components of the faucet 10under the counter top (not shown) is provided. As mentioned above, inone embodiment shown the controller 18 is connected to the flow controlbox 20 through signal wires 22 to analyze the signals sent from faucethandle 14 to control the flow of water from the water supply inlet hoses26. The flow control box 20 can mix the water from water supply inlethoses 26 to provide a water flow of a user-selected temperature to bereleased from the spray head 16. The flow control box 20 as shown islocated under the counter top of the faucet 10. The flow control box 20can be located elsewhere as appropriate to receive signals fromcontroller 18 through signal wires 22 and provide water to be releasedfrom spray head 16 through pull down hose 24. The flow control box 20can be located in a different position to provide more space underneaththe counter top of faucet 10 depending on the circumstances.

In the example shown, the controller 18 is located outside of the flowcontrol box 20. In another embodiment, the controller 18 can also belocated inside of the flow control box 20. In another embodiment, thecontroller 18 can be located above the counter top of the faucet 10. Thecontroller 18 could also be located inside the faucet handle 14.

The connection between the faucet handle 14, controller 18, and flowcontrol box 20 is shown as a wired connection through signal wires 22.In another embodiment, the communication between the faucet handle 14,controller 18, and flow control box 20 can be done wirelessly.

Referring to FIG. 3, a closer look at the faucet handle 14 is provided.There is a cut away to reveal the components inside of the faucet handle14. In the example shown, the faucet handle 14 includes a sensor printedcircuit board assembly (PCBA) 30 connected to the signal wire 22. Asshown, the faucet handle 14 is connected to the faucet body 12 through astationary faucet handle mount 32 in conjunction with a movable faucethandle mount 34. The stationary faucet handle mount 32 is connected tothe faucet body 12. The stationary faucet handle mount 32 can be a partof the faucet body 12. The movable faucet handle mount 34 is movablyconnected to the stationary faucet handle mount 32. The movable faucethandle mount 34 is also connected to the faucet handle 14. The movablefaucet handle mount 34 can be a part of the faucet handle 14. Theconnection between the stationary faucet handle mount 32 and the movablefaucet handle mount 34 allows the faucet handle 14 to move at leastrotationally along two axes of rotation. In one embodiment, one axis ofrotation can represent the water flow being released from the spray head16, and the other axis of rotation can represent the temperature ofwater being released from the spray head 16. Although the stationaryfaucet handle mount 32 and the movable faucet handle mount 34 extendfrom the faucet body 12 in the example shown, these components could beintegral with the faucet body 12 to provide more flexibility for shapeand size of the faucet body 12.

In one embodiment, the faucet handle 14 can be movably connected to thefaucet body 12 without the stationary faucet handle mount 32 and themoveable faucet handle mount 34. The faucet handle 14 can also bemovably connected to the spray head 16. As discussed above, the faucethandle 14 can be separate from the faucet body 12 altogether and bemovably connected to a surface for movement along two axes of rotation.

The sensor PCBA 30 is configured to detect the spatial orientation ofthe faucet handle 14. In one embodiment, the sensor PCBA 30 is aninertial motion unit (IMU) sensor 30. The sensor PCBA 30 can sendsignals through signal wires 22 to controller 18 to interpret thesignals. After the controller 18 determines a spatial orientation of thefaucet handle 14 through the signals provided from sensor PCBA 30, thecontroller 18 can send signals to the flow control box 20 and controlthe water temperature and the water flow to be released from the sprayhead 16.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown an example electronic control systemfor controlling dispensing of water from the faucet 10. In the exampleshown, the control system includes the controller 18 including aprocessor 36 to process the signals received from the faucet handle 14to send a signal to the flow control box 20 and a memory 38 to storeinstructions to be executed by the processor 36. The control system alsoincludes a power supply 40 that is connected to the controller 18 andthe flow control box 20. The control system also includes the flowcontrol box 20 including a servo motor 1 42 and a servo motor 2 44 tocontrol the water received from water supply inlet hoses 26 (not shown)to output water of a determined flow rate and a determined temperaturebased upon the spatial orientation of the faucet handle 14. Servo motor1 42 may be a servo motor for the control of cold water into the system.Servo motor 2 44 may be a servo motor for the control of hot water intothe system. In the embodiment shown, the control system also includesthe faucet handle 14 that receives inputs from at least one of agyroscope 46, magnetometer 48, and accelerometer 50 of the sensor PCBA30 (FIG. 3).

In one embodiment, the faucet handle 14 is located above the countertopand the controller 18, flow control box 20, and power supply 40 arelocated below the countertop. The components of the control system maybe arranged above and below the counter top as appropriate. The powersupply 40 provides power to the faucet handle 14 through the controller18. In another embodiment, the power supply 40 may be connected directlyto the faucet handle 14. The power supply 40 can be power supplied froman outlet and converted as necessary for use by the controller 18, flowcontrol box 20, and faucet handle 14. The flow control box 20 may have aseparate power supply 40 than the controller 18. The power supply 40 maybe any power source to supply electrical power for the function of thefaucet handle 14, controller 18, and the flow control box 20.

In one embodiment, the faucet handle 14 detects its spatial orientationthrough the use of at least one of the gyroscope 46, the magnetometer48, and accelerometer 50. In another embodiment, the faucet handle 14may use other sensors to detect its spatial orientation. The faucethandle 14 can send the signals received from the sensors 46, 48, 50 tothe controller 18 to use an algorithm in order to determine thetemperature of water and the flow rate of the water to be released fromthe spray head 16. In another embodiment, the controller 18 may use alook-up table to determine the temperature of water and the flow rate ofthe water to be released from the spray head 16. After determining thetemperature and flow rate of the water, the controller 18 can send asignal to flow control box 20 to control the servo motor 1 42 and servomotor 2 44 to adjust the temperature and flow rate of the water beingdispensed from the spray head 16. The flow control box 20 receives hotand cold water from the water supply inlet hoses 26 to output the waterof a desired temperature and flow rate through the pull down hose 24 tothe spray head 16.

In another embodiment, flow control box 20 may use more than two servomotors in order to control the temperature and flow rate of the water.The flow control box 20 may also use a series of solenoids, needlevalve, stepper motor, etc. in order to control the temperature and flowrate of the water depending on the circumstances.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown progressive movement of the faucethandle 14 from an initial position where no water is being released to afully extended position where the flow rate of water is at a maximum. Inthe example shown, the faucet body 12 is connected to the stationaryfaucet handle mount 32. The movable faucet handle mount 34 is movablyconnected to the stationary faucet handle mount 32. The faucet handle 14is connected to the movable faucet handle mount 34 so a user canmaneuver the faucet handle 14 along one axis as shown in relation to thefaucet body 12.

In the shown embodiment, there are three different positions as thefaucet handle 14 starts from an initial position rotating all the way tothe fully extended position in phantom. In another embodiment, there maybe a plurality of positions that the faucet handle 14 can achievebetween an initial position to a fully extended position. In oneembodiment, as the faucet handle 14 is rotated in the way shown in FIG.5, the faucet handle 14 sends signals to the controller 18 to controlthe flow control box 20 to release more water of a temperaturedetermined as discussed below. In one embodiment, the faucet 10 does notrelease any water when the faucet handle 14 is in the initial position.The faucet 10 begins to release water of variable amounts when thefaucet handle 14 is rotated from the initial position depending on theposition of the faucet handle 14. The sensor PCBA 30 detects theposition using the gyroscope 46, the magnetometer 48, and/or theaccelerometer 50 and sends signals to the controller 18 to determine howmuch water is to be released. The controller 18 then sends a signal tothe flow control box 20 to release water of a determined flow rate outof the pull down hose 24 to the spray head 16 through the use of theservo motors 42, 44.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown rotation of the faucet handle 14from an initial position to one side and from the initial position tothe other side. In the example shown, the faucet handle 14 is connectedto the movable faucet handle mount 34 that connects to the stationaryfaucet handle mount 32 (FIG. 3) which is connected to the faucet body12. The connections allow the faucet handle 14 to rotate as shown. Thereis one initial position of the faucet handle 14 and four other positionsshown in phantom. In another embodiment, there is a plurality ofpositions that the faucet handle 14 can achieve between the fullyextended left position to the fully extended right position.

In one embodiment, as the faucet handle 14 is rotated along the axis ofrotation the temperature of water the flow control box 20 releases tothe pull down hose 24 connected to the spray head 16 changes. The faucethandle 14 detects its position using the sensor PCBA 30 and sends asignal to the controller 18. The controller 18 determines a temperatureof the water to be released from the spray head 16 depending on thespatial orientation of the faucet and sends a signal to the flow controlbox 20 to output water of a certain temperature and flow rate throughthe pull down hose 24 to the spray head 16 as discussed above. The flowcontrol box 20 can control the servo motors 42, 44 to release a specificamount of cold and hot water from the water supply inlet hoses 26 toachieve the desired temperature for the water released from the pulldown hose 24 to the spray head 16.

In one embodiment, the fully extended left position of the faucet handle14 could be for the release of the hottest water available. The fullyextended right position of the faucet handle 14 can be for the releaseof the coldest water available. The initial position of the faucethandle 14 can be for the release of an even mix of hot and cold wateravailable. The positions in between the fully extended left position ofthe faucet handle 14 and the fully extended right position of the faucethandle 14 can be varying mixes of hot and cold water to achieverelatively cold water or relatively hot water. The water can becomeprogressively colder or hotter depending on which direction the faucethandle 14 is rotating towards. In another embodiment, the cold and hotdirections may be switched so the fully extended left position of thefaucet handle 14 can be for the release of the coldest water availableand the fully extended right position of the faucet handle 14 can be forthe release of the hottest water available.

Referring to FIG. 7, a table is shown that shows an example distributionof water from water supply inlet hoses 26 released through flow controlbox 20. The table covers the range of motion available for the faucethandle 14. The sections are labeled with section numbers 71 and arelocated along a spectrum of percentage water flow 72 and a temperatureturn value 73. The sections further include a value for the servo motor1 water inlet 74 and a value for the servo motor 2 water inlet 75. Inone embodiment, the value for the servo motor 1 inlet 74 can representthe cold water value and the value for the servo motor 2 inlet 75 canrepresent the hot water value. In another embodiment, the servo motorvalues 74, 75 may be switched so that the value for servo motor 1 inlet74 represents the hot water value and the value for servo motor 2 inlet75 represents the cold water value. In the shown example, the percentageof water flow 72 ranges from 0 to 100% with four divisions. In oneembodiment, the percentage of water flow 72 can be 25%, 50%, 75%, and100%. In another embodiment, the percentage of water flow 72 may bedivided in any way between 0 to 100%.

The temperature turn value 73 can represent the amount of rotation thatis achieved for the faucet handle 14. For example, P can represent thefully extended right position of the faucet handle 14 and −P canrepresent the fully extended left position of the faucet handle 14. Inanother embodiment, the positions may be switched so P can represent thefully extended left position of the faucet handle 14 and −P canrepresent the fully extended right position of the faucet handle 14. Inthe shown example, there are five divisions along the spectrum oftemperature turn values 73. In another embodiment, there may be anynumber of divisions. In another embodiment, P may be divided intoquarters and sixths. The temperature turn value 73 can be divided into aplurality of divisions.

The table is divided into several sections as shown in FIG. 7. Eachsection represents a location the faucet handle 14 can be located duringoperation. If the faucet handle 14 is located within one of the sectionsthen the faucet 10 would release water according to the values 74, 75within the section. For example, if the faucet handle 14 has beenextended between 75% to 100% of the percentage of water flow 72 and thefaucet handle 14 has been turned to a value between 2 P/3 and P for thetemperature turn value 73, the faucet 10 would release 100 or themaximum amount of water from servo motor 2 44 and no water for servomotor 1 42.

In another embodiment, the table shown in FIG. 7 can be divided into aplurality of sections such that a continuous change of water flow fromwater supply inlet hoses 26 through the servo motors 42, 44 can beachieved as the faucet handle 14 changes location along the spectrum ofpercentage of water flow 72 and temperature turn value 73. In the shownexample, the values have a fixed maximum depending on where the faucethandle 14 is located along the spectrum of percentage of water flow 72.The servo motor 42 or 44 side that the faucet handle 14 is located underhas the maximum percentage of water flow 72 for the value for servomotor inlet 74 or 75 and the other value for servo motor inlet 74 or 75is decremented down to zero on the far end depending on how manydivisions there are for the temperature turn value 73. In the shownexample, there are five divisions and within the first division on eachside both of the values for the servo motor inlets 74, 75 are at themaximum depending on where along the spectrum the faucet handle 14 fallson the percentage of water flow 72. Within the next division, the valuefor the servo motor inlet 74 or 75 for the side the faucet handle 14 islocated stays the maximum value and the other value for the servo motorinlet 74 or 75 drops to half of the maximum value. Within the lastdivision, the value for the servo motor inlet 74 or 75 for the side thefaucet handle 14 is located stays the maximum value and the other valuefor the servo motor inlet 74 or 75 drops to zero.

In another embodiment, the values for the servo motor inlets 74, 75 maybe decremented in a different way. In another embodiment, the values 74,75 may be decremented by thirds. The settings for the divisions may bechanged depending on user preference. More divisions can result in amore continuous change in water temperature and water flow. The fewerdivisions can result in energy conservation since the servo motors 42,44 will not need to be changed in operation as frequently.

The controller 18 can receive the signals from the sensor PCBA 30 todetect the spatial orientation of the faucet handle 14. The controller18 can use an algorithm to calculate where in the spectrum of percentageof water flow values 72 and temperature turn values 73 the faucet handle14 is located from the signals received from the sensor PCBA 30. Aftercrossing a threshold for either percentage of water flow values 72 ortemperature turn values 73, the controller 18 can send signals to theflow control box 20 to operate the servo motors 42, 44 to release waterof an updated temperature and water flow depending on the spatialorientation of the faucet handle 14.

In another embodiment, the controller 18 can use a look-up table to seewhat values the controller 18 should set for the values of the servomotor water inlets 74, 75. The controller determines the spatialorientation of the faucet handle 14 and determines which section thefaucet handle 14 is located. If the faucet handle 14 located in sectionnumber 16 71, then the controller 18 sends a signal to the flow controlbox 20 to close the water supply inlet hose 26 for servo motor 1 42 andopen the water supply inlet hose 26 for servo motor 2 44 to the maximumin order to achieve the value for servo motor inlet 1 74 of 0 and thevalue for servo motor inlet 2 75 of 100.

FIG. 8 is a simplified flow chart showing an example operation of thefaucet 10. In the shown example, the faucet 10 uses an interrupt method80 of controlling the operation of the flow control box 20. In the shownexample, the interrupt method 80 begins with operation 81 in which thecontroller 18 is in a sleep state to conserve energy waiting to receivean interrupt from the sensor PCBA 30 or inertial motion unit (IMU)sensor 30. After operation 81, the process continues to operation 82where there is a check for an interrupt from the IMU sensor 30. If thereis an interrupt received from the IMU sensor 30, then the processcontinues to operation 83. If an interrupt is not received, then theprocess returns to operation 81 for the controller 18 to sleep.

After the process continues to operation 83, the controller 18 will readthe IMU sensor 30 position to determine the spatial orientation of thefaucet handle 14. After the controller 18 reads the IMU sensor 30, theprocess continues to operation 84 where the controller 18 will use analgorithm to calculate the servo motor 42, 44 positions or look-up tablefor the servo motor 42, 44 positions according to the determined spatialorientation of the faucet handle 14. After the controller 18 determinesthe servo motor 42, 44 positions, the process continues to operation 85where the controller 18 sends a signal to the flow control box 20 tochange the servo motor 42 or 44 position to change the cold water valuebeing released through pull down hose 24 to spray head 16. After theservo motor 42 or 44 position is changed, the process continues tooperation 86 where the controller 18 sends a signal to the flow controlbox 20 to change the servo motor 42 or 44 position to change the hotwater value being released through pull down hose 24 to spray head 16.After both servo motor 42, 44 positions are updated, the process returnsto operation 81. In another embodiment, the hot water value may bechanged first before the cold water value and so the corresponding servomotor 42 or 44 would change.

In another embodiment, the controller 18 may further wait for anotherinterrupt after receiving an initial interrupt from the IMU sensor 30 toupdate the positions of the servo motors 42 or 44. The delay can be towait for the final position the user intends to position the faucethandle 14. The delay may be a set predetermined period of time for thecontroller 18 to wait to receive additional interrupts. Therefore, thefaucet 10 would only need to go through the process once instead ofmultiple times depending on how many sections the faucet handle 14crosses.

FIG. 9 is a simplified flow chart showing an example operation of thefaucet 10. In the shown example, the faucet 10 uses a polling method 90of controlling the operation of the flow control box 20. In the shownexample, the polling method 90 begins with operation 91 in which thecontroller 18 starts and turns on. After the controller 18 is on, theprocess continues to operation 92 where the controller 18 reads the IMUsensor 30 position to determine the spatial orientation of the faucethandle 14. After the controller 18 reads the IMU sensor 30, the processcontinues to operation 93 where the controller 18 will use an algorithmto calculate the servo motor 42, 44 positions or look-up table for theservo motor 42, 44 positions according to the determined spatialorientation of the faucet handle 14. After the controller 18 determinesthe servo motor 42, 44 positions, the process continues to operation 94where the controller 18 sends a signal to the flow control box 20 tochange the servo motor 42 or 44 position to change the cold water valuebeing released through pull down hose 24 to spray head 16. After theservo motor 42 or 44 position is changed, the process continues tooperation 95 where the controller 18 sends a signal to the flow controlbox 20 to change the servo motor 42 or 44 position to change the hotwater value being released through pull down hose 24 to spray head 16.After both servo motor 42, 44 positions are updated, the process returnsto operation 91. In another embodiment, the hot water value may bechanged first before the cold water value and so the corresponding servomotor 42 or 44 would change.

The polling method 90 can allow for a more continuous change in waterflow and temperature than the interrupt method 80 because there is not await for an interrupt by the IMU sensor 30. However, the polling method90 expends more energy by constantly updating the process. In oneembodiment, the user can set the method of operation for the faucet 10.For example, there may be a switch (not shown) that can be used tochange the method of operation for the faucet 10.

In some embodiments, the controller 18 could be configured to output thereading from the IMU sensor 30 to one or more output devices. Forexample, the faucet could include a user interface and the controller 18could update the user interface based on the spatial orientation of thehandle detected by the IMU sensor 30. Consider an example faucet with auser interface that includes one or more LEDs. In this example, thecontroller 18 could adjust the color of the LEDs based on the spatialposition reading of the IMU sensor 30 to indicate a temperature of thewater (e.g., blue to red for cold to warm). Continuing with thisexample, the controller 18 could also indicate a flow rate of water byadjusting the intensity of the LEDs, such as less intense for less flowand more intense for more flow. The user interface being one or moreLEDs is mentioned solely for purposes of example, but could be any typeof output device that provides information to the user, such as audible,haptic, text, symbols, etc. For example, in an accessibility setting,the controller 18 could output an audible sound with a higher frequencyfor warmer water and a lower frequency for cooler water based on thespatial orientation detected by the IMU sensor, which could beparticularly useful for a visually-challenged user. In some embodiments,the user interface could be separate from the faucet, such as usingwireless communications with a user's phone, tablet or other electronicdevices. For example, the faucet could wirelessly output the relative oractual temperature and/or flow rate to a user's phone using Bluetooth™,WiFi or other wireless protocol.

In some embodiments, the controller 18 could wirelessly communicate thereading from the IMU sensor 30 (i.e., the flow rate and/or temperature)to other electronic devices, such as home automation systems surroundingthe faucet. Consider an example in which the controller 18 couldwirelessly communicate the readings from the IMU sensor 30 with a watermanagement system. With faucets throughout a building that include ahandle with an IMU sensor 30, a total water usage could be calculated bythe water management system based on flow rates corresponding from thepositional reading from the IMU sensor 30 and adding together the flowrates of faucets throughout the building.

EXAMPLES

Illustrative examples of the faucet disclosed herein are provided below.An embodiment of the faucet may include any one or more, and anycombination of, the examples described below.

Example 1 is a faucet including a faucet body and a faucet handle. Aninertial motion unit sensor is mounted inside the faucet handle to sensespatial orientation of the faucet handle. The faucet includes anelectronic flow control system to adjust flow volume and temperature ofwater being dispensed. The faucet includes a controller configured toreceive signals from the inertial motion unit sensor and control theelectronic flow control system to adjust flow volume and temperature ofwater being dispensed based upon the position of the faucet handle.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured suchthat the inertial motion unit sensor includes at least one of agyroscope, a magnetometer, or an accelerometer.

In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured suchthat a range of movement along a first axis of the faucet handle adjuststhe flow volume of water being dispensed.

In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 is further configured suchthat a range of movement along a second axis of the faucet handleadjusts the temperature of the water being dispensed, where the firstaxis and the second axis are not coplanar.

In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured suchthat the electronic flow control system includes an electronic valveconfigured to control the flow volume of water being dispensed andwherein the controller is configured to control flow through theelectronic valve based on a signal from the inertial motion unit.

In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured suchthat the controller is programmed with an algorithm configured tointerpret a sensor output of the inertial motion unit to adjust the flowvolume and temperature of water being dispensed.

In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured suchthat the controller is configured to use a look-up table to interpret asensor output of the inertial motion unit to adjust the flow volume andtemperature of water being dispensed.

In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured witha flow control box is configured to be connected to at least two of aplurality of water supply inlet hoses and at least one outlet hose influid communication with the faucet body. The flow control box includesthe electric flow control system.

In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configured suchthat the controller is configured to substantially continuously checkfor an interrupt from the inertial motion unit to read the inertialmotion unit sensor in order for controlling the electronic flow controlsystem to adjust the flow volume and temperature of water.

In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configuredsuch that the controller is configured to substantially continuouslyread the inertial motion unit in order for controlling the electronicflow control system to adjust the flow volume and temperature of water.

In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configuredwith a user-selectable portion in electrical communication with thecontroller from which reading the inertial motion unit can be selectedbetween: (1) substantially continuously checking for an interrupt fromthe inertial motion unit to read the inertial motion unit sensor; and(2) substantially continuously reading the inertial motion unit.

In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 1 is further configuredwith a user-selectable portion in electrical communication with thecontroller from which interpretation of sensor output of the inertialmotion unit can be adjusted: (1) by adjusting an algorithm configured tointerpret a sensor output of the inertial motion unit to adjust the flowvolume and temperature of water being dispensed; and/or (2) adjusting atleast a portion of a look-up table to interpret a sensor output of theinertial motion unit to adjust the flow volume and temperature of waterbeing dispensed.

Example 13 provides a method of controlling a flow volume and atemperature of water dispensed from a faucet. The method includesproviding a faucet including a faucet body and a faucet handle. Aninertial motion unit sensor measures a spatial orientation of the faucethandle. A controller receives a measurement of the spatial orientationof the faucet handle from the inertial motion unit sensor. Thecontroller provides a signal to an electric flow control system toadjust the flow volume and temperature of water being dispensed. Theelectric flow control system adjusts the flow volume and temperature ofwater dispensed based upon the measurement of the spatial orientation ofthe faucet handle.

In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 is further configuredsuch that the inertial motion unit sensor includes at least one of agyroscope, a magnetometer, or an accelerometer.

In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 13 is further configured byadjusting the flow volume of water dispensed based upon a range ofmotion along one axis of the faucet handle.

In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 13 is further configured byadjusting the temperature of water dispensed based upon a range ofmotion along one axis of the faucet handle

In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 13 is further configuredsuch that the electronic flow control system includes at least two of aplurality of servo motors to control the flow volume of water beingdispensed.

In Example 18, the subject matter of Example 13 is further configured byinterpreting the measurement of the spatial orientation of the faucethandle with the controller by using an algorithm to adjust the flowvolume and temperature of water being dispensed.

In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 13 is further configured byinterpreting the measurement of the spatial orientation of the faucethandle with the controller by using a look-up table to adjust the flowvolume and temperature of water being dispensed.

In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 13 is further configured byconnecting at least two of a plurality of water supply inlet hoses andat least one of an outlet hose in fluid communication with the faucetbody. The flow control box includes the electric flow control system.

In Example 21, the subject matter of Example 13 is further configured bychecking continuously for an interrupt from the inertial motion unitwith the controller to read the inertial motion unit sensor in order tocontrol the electronic flow control system to adjust the flow volume andtemperature of water.

In Example 22, the subject matter of Example 13 is further configured byreading continuously the inertial motion unit with the controller inorder to control the electronic flow control system to adjust the flowvolume and temperature of water.

In Example 23, the subject matter of Example 13 is further configuredsuch that the controller wirelessly receives the measurement of thespatial orientation of the faucet handle from the inertial motion unitsensor.

In Example 24, the subject matter of Example 13 is further configuredsuch that the controller wirelessly provides the signal to the electricflow control system to adjust the flow volume and/or temperature ofwater being dispensed.

In Example 25, the subject matter of Example 13 is further configuredsuch that the controller updates a user interface to indicatetemperature and/or flow rate being dispensed based on a reading from theinertial motion unit.

What is claimed is:
 1. A faucet comprising: a faucet body; a faucethandle movable with respect to the faucet body; an inertial motion unitsensor mounted entirely in the faucet handle to sense spatialorientation along two axes of rotation of the faucet handle; anelectronic flow control system to adjust flow volume and temperature ofwater being dispensed; and a controller configured to receive signalsfrom the inertial motion unit sensor and control the electronic flowcontrol system to adjust flow volume and temperature of water beingdispensed based upon the position of the faucet handle, wherein thecontroller is configured to adjust the flow volume and/or temperature ofwater based on data received from the inertial motion unit sensor. 2.The faucet of claim 1, wherein the inertial motion unit sensor includesat least one of a gyroscope, a magnetometer, or an accelerometer.
 3. Thefaucet of claim 1, wherein a range of movement along a first axis of thefaucet handle adjusts the flow volume of water being dispensed, whereina range of movement along a second axis of the faucet handle adjusts thetemperature of the water being dispensed, wherein the first axis and thesecond axis are not coplanar.
 4. The faucet of claim 1, wherein theelectronic flow control system includes an electronic valve configuredto control the flow volume of water being dispensed, and wherein thecontroller is configured to control flow through the electronic valvebased on a signal from the inertial motion unit sensor.
 5. The faucet ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is programmed with an algorithmconfigured to interpret a sensor output of the inertial motion unitsensor to adjust the flow volume and temperature of water beingdispensed.
 6. The faucet of claim 1, wherein the controller isconfigured to use a look-up table to interpret a sensor output of theinertial motion unit sensor to adjust the flow volume and temperature ofwater being dispensed.
 7. The faucet of claim 1, wherein the controlleris configured to continuously check for an interrupt from the inertialmotion unit sensor to read the inertial motion unit sensor.
 8. Thefaucet of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to continuouslyread the inertial motion unit sensor for controlling the electronic flowcontrol system to adjust the flow volume and/or temperature of water. 9.The faucet of claim 1, further comprising a user-selectable portion inelectrical communication with the controller from which reading theinertial motion unit sensor can he selected between: (1) continuouslychecking for an interrupt from the inertial motion unit sensor to readthe inertial motion unit sensor; and (2) continuously reading theinertial motion unit sensor.
 10. The faucet of claim 1, furthercomprising a user-selectable portion in electrical communication withthe controller from which interpretation of sensor output of theinertial motion unit sensor can be adjusted: (1) by adjusting analgorithm configured to interpret a sensor output of the inertial motionunit sensor to adjust the flow volume and temperature of water beingdispensed; and/or (2) adjusting at least a portion of a look-up table tointerpret a sensor output of the inertial motion unit sensor to adjustthe flow volume and temperature of water being dispensed.
 11. The faucetof claim 1, wherein the faucet handle is mounted to the faucet body. 12.A method of controlling a flow volume and temperature of water dispensedfrom a faucet, the method comprising: providing the faucet including afaucet body and a faucet handle mounted to the faucet body so as to bemovable with respect to the faucet body; measuring, with an inertialmotion unit sensor, a spatial orientation along two axes of rotation ofthe faucet handle; receiving, with a controller, a measurement of thespatial orientation of the faucet handle from the inertial motion unitsensor; providing, with the controller, a signal to an electronic flowcontrol system to adjust the flow volume and temperature of water beingdispensed; and adjusting, with the electronic flow control system, theflow volume and/or temperature of water being dispensed based upon themeasurement of the spatial orientation of the faucet handle receivedfrom the inertial motion unit sensor.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the inertial motion unit sensor includes at least one of agyroscope, a magnetometer, or an accelerometer.
 14. The method of claim12, further comprising adjusting the flow volume of water dispensedbased upon a range of motion along a first axis of the faucet handle andadjusting the temperature of water dispensed based upon a range ofmotion along the first axis of the faucet handle.
 15. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the electronic flow control system includes at leasttwo of a plurality of servo motors to control the flow volume of waterbeing dispensed.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprisinginterpreting, with the controller, the measurement of the spatialorientation of the faucet handle with an algorithm to adjust the flowvolume and temperature of water being dispensed.
 17. The method of claim12, further comprising interpreting, with the controller, themeasurement of the spatial orientation of the faucet handle with alook-up table to adjust the flow volume and temperature of water beingdispensed.
 18. The method of claim 12, further comprising continuouslychecking for an interrupt from the inertial motion unit sensor with thecontroller to read the inertial motion unit sensor.
 19. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising continuously reading the inertial motionunit sensor with the controller in order to control the electronic flowcontrol system to adjust the flow volume and/or temperature of water.20. The method of claim 12, wherein the controller wirelessly receivesthe measurement of the spatial orientation of the faucet handle from theinertial motion unit sensor.
 21. The method of claim 12, wherein thecontroller wirelessly provides the signal to the electronic flow controlsystem to adjust the flow volume and/or temperature of water beingdispensed.
 22. The method of claim 12 wherein the inertial motion unitsensor is positioned entirely within the faucet handle.